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Home magazines and platforms like Pinterest make it easy to find inspiration for home renovations and when remodeling. In fact, they make DIY and remodeling look easy! While looking at these photos may spark great ideas for projects in your own home, there are many things to consider.

Before you start buying specialty tools and busting through
drywall, ask yourself and a professional:

Will the remodel be inside or outside the home?

Do you want a full room or partial room renovation?

Will electrical, plumbing, or HVAC be involved
in the remodel?

Does any part of the room need to be fully demoed?

How much can you afford and plan to budget?

1. Don’t Rush

It takes time, and sometimes more time than you think, to
get a plan into place for a remodel. You may find yourself changing your mind
often and constantly readjusting designs. Working with a professional to
achieve your vision will help to solidify plans. But make note: sticking to the
plan (unless adjustments are necessary for functionality/codes/construction)
and not changing direction during build out will keep you from wasting hours
and money. It’s okay to take your time on the front end to allow for a
successful remodel job you will love.

2. Choosing the Wrong Contractor

We know this is all too true, thus we will sing it from the
roof tops. Choosing a licensed contractor may be one of the most important
pieces in a remodel plan. If you choose someone that doesn’t share your vision,
isn’t reputable, or lacks skill, you should see warning signs! Don’t settle for
the wrong contractor just because they are the cheaper option, it’s your
neighbor’s “handy” kid, or because you decided on the first person in your
google search. Take some time to vet a licensed contractor and feel confident
in your choice.

3. Failing to Budget (If at All)

Under budgeting is one of the most seen mistakes during a
remodel. Picture it: You demo your shower, clean up the mess, get half the tile
in place, and then realize you improperly measured and are now overbudget… what
do you do? This is all too common. Doing some pre-plan research to see what is
most affordable for you and the job can make all the difference. With the
assistance of a professional, you can know general costs upfront and budget
accordingly.

Not to mention, depending on the project and age of your
home, sometimes unexpected costs come up. Asbestos in your popcorn ceilings,
old plumbing, or even previous construction not being to code – oh my! Whatever
it may be, it doesn’t hurt to budget with a bit of cushion for any surprise
costs.

4. Not Choosing Quality

This one easily ties into Failing to Budget (If at All). Too often we are looking for the
easy fix or quick solution. When it comes to construction, choosing quality is
nothing short of necessary to meet expectations and ensure a great outcome. The
design you choose, contractor you hire, and supplies being used should all reflect
how you want your finished project to turn out and stand the test of time.
While this doesn’t mean breaking the bank, quality work and products make a
great difference.

That being said, there are areas to save rather than
splurge. Many people are thrifty and save on materials and labor. Speak with
your contractor and/or designer for assistance on this.

On the same page…

Working with a professional contractor and builder should
help you to avoid these costly and inconvenient pitfalls. With these tips,
consultations with professionals, and a good plan in place, you too can have a
beautiful remodel! Interested in chatting? Give us a call or shoot as an email
using our contact form.

Choosing a home is a big deal. Many tend to have a list of
necessities they are hoping to find in their price range. Whether it is a
fenced in backyard, plenty of counter space, or even a walk-in closet, it can
be a challenge to find that one house
that has all those things. Thus, when faced with the option of, “Should we buy
a premade production home or have a custom home built?” there are many pros and
cons to weigh. The benefits to choosing a custom home may entice you!

Design

With a custom home comes the ability to have custom design.
Your new home does not at all have to be a similar floor plan, layout, or even
mold of any other home in the neighborhood or even to date. Customizations can
include everything from the exterior materials used on your home down to the
tile in your shower. It’s also the perfect way to be involved in the building
process of the home.

Additionally, you have the option to dictate:

Added safety features

Energy efficiency

Top-rated appliances

Special needs accommodations

Wiring for technology, etc.

Location

If you decide to contract a builder for your new home, one
huge advantage is location. If you have looked at production homes in the past,
you may have had a hard time finding the one for you in the right part of town.
You may consider school zones, commute time, or privacy when thinking about
location.

Because you help to
design your own custom home, you can place that home in a neighborhood on the
right side of town for you! No more looking at house after house not fit for
you in the right area or checking out multiple incredible homes in an area you
don’t desire. Community is important.

Choose the Expert

It almost goes without saying – you get to choose the right
contractor and team to build your custom home, thus allowing you to choose
someone you deem reliable. Research online and by friend and family
recommendations to ensure your options are skilled professionals. Always feel
free to have a consultation and meet potential contractors, as well as look
through their portfolio of homes they have built. Throughout the process, you
want to feel confident in your contractor choice.

Invest in Your Home & Save Money

You may have thought building a custom home would be way too
expensive. In reality, having a custom home built can actually save you money
in the long run by:

Choosing more cost-effective material to build
with

Less maintenance by choosing quality for the long
run, rather than cheapest route that won’t last

Getting what you want the first time around, so
no need for remodels

Choosing energy efficient materials and products

Get more bang for your buck by investing in a custom home. On
top of all the other benefits, there is something truly sentimental and special
about building your own home, no matter if it’s your first or third home. With
a great contractor and vision, you too can have the home of your dreams without
the pain of looking at production homes.

During the last two weeks of September, the Master Custom Builder’s Council (MCBC) hosted the 2018 Charity Tour of Homes. During this event, local builders opened several of their custom built homes for public touring and private events. Over 500 people attended this year’s Tour!

All money raised benefitted the After Breast Cancer (ABC) foundation of the YMCA. The MCBC was proud to present a check to the ABC for $15,000!!

Thank you to all of our local vendors and sponsors that made this event such a huge success!!!